Kimberly Jacobs

I learned how to anticipate obstacles ahead of time. As well as the 3 F's - Feel, Felt, Found. 

I learned that overly complex or multiple questionscan sometimes lead to incomplete responses or confusion within students and leads. It is more effective to limit the number of questions and be intentional with allowing for adequate and thoughtful response times to avoid fatigue or overwhelm. 

I learned how to effectively ask questions to gain further clarification without seeming confrontational. Asking leading questions to better understand potential constraints, limitations, or specific decisions made like - scheduling conflicts, program interest, declining a start date, etc. 

I feel confident in guiding students to learn more about their goals, life situation, and navigating selecting a program that is aligned. 

I learned the importance of curiosity in this field. Notice lapses of quiet, vague responses, redirecting answers to avoid specific topics, etc and to pause and inquire further to fully understand a student's situation. Each student is unique. 

Sustaining deep listening as a Coordinator requires thoughtful attention to detail and being self aware. The more you note moments of lapses in attention, ineffective communication moments, patterns/habits, etc and make adjustments, the more you will grow as a listener and communicator to be more helpful to students and prospective leads. 

I learned how to listen beyond just what I hear, but pay attention to topic patterns, body language, and navigate understanding the information provided - not just hearing, but processing and using it all as a tool to be as attentive and helpful as possible. 

I learned just how important it is to have adequate listening skills as an Admissions Rep, how to not only listen efficiently but notice signs of someone not retaining information or struggling to comprehend the conversation other than visible cues.  

Listening is not just hearing the communication, but actively processing, understanding, and interacting with the information. It's a cognitive processing function, but not passive, and requires active participation and decisions to maintain engagement.  

It is important to maintain information that is compliant and accurate. Keep answers, direct, transparent, and consistent. Provide them sources to do individual research, or refer them to another department.